Pope pictured after lung cancer surgery, Putin backs aid plea

· Health · Russia · Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV was pictured for the first time since undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican released photos showing him celebrating mass in the hospital on Friday, and doctors said his recovery was progressing normally, though further tests would show whether the cancer had spread. They said he can carry out normal activities with full independence, and plans continue for a November trip to three South American countries. In a phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the pontiff he supported a Vatican initiative to deliver supplies to civilians in the Russian-controlled town of Oleshky in southern Ukraine and was ready to cooperate.

Why it matters：The pontiff's health and his humanitarian push for Oleshky show the Vatican's active diplomatic role amid the war, while raising questions about the church's leadership.

Key points

  • Pope Leo XIV was pictured for the first time since lung cancer surgery.
  • Doctors said recovery was normal; further tests will show if cancer spread.
  • Putin backed a Vatican initiative to aid civilians in Oleshky.

Sources (original reporting)

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